SPOKANE, Wash. — Attention J.R.R Tolkien fans! If you have ever dreamed of stepping foot into the world of Middle Earth, you can find a close replica in West Spokane.
Ryan Oelrich is the owner of the Hobbit House inspired by "Lord of the Rings." The longtime Tolkien fan says he has collected memorabilia for years.
"I have a bell that actually is a dragon that reminds me Smaug. I found a stained-glass window in a vintage shop that has a beautiful eagle on it in the back of the Hobbit House and it reminds me of the giant eagles from the Lord of the Rings, two hand carved wooden mushrooms, all sorts of little details that just bring those amazing stories to life," Oelrich told KREM last year.
Oelrich says he does not live in the house, but often uses it as an office or reading space. But the creation located at 3525 W. 2nd Ave. has gained a lot of attention around the Inland Northwest.
This year, Oelrich is bringing out the ghosts and dragons to celebrate Halloween at the house. A dazzling show will light up his corner of Middle Earth every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. until Halloween.
Guests are asked to watch the show from their cars.
The Hobbit Halloween Book Drive and Trick-or-Treating Event was canceled this year due to safety concerns, as the guest list surpassed 3,000 people.
“We'll continue to look for other opportunities to share our love of Tolkien, Hobbits, and the Spokane community,” Oelrich wrote on Facebook.
Friends of the Shire can visit the home any time – but Oelrich does prefer that you look from the road since the surrounding property is his home.
Spokane man brings Tolkien fairytale to life
The house is also home to a "Lil Hobbit Library," which provides a free book exchange and scavenger hunt. A popular geocache is also hidden on site and a motion-activated speaker plays famous quotes or music from the films.